Following the road 'Towards FP7' on CORDIS
CORDIS has launched a new service designed to follow the rapid developments in the procedure towards the approval, adoption and launch of the Seventh Framework Programme for research and development (FP7). FP7, the EU's instrument for funding scientific research and technological development over the period 2007 to 2013, is one of the most important elements in implementing the Lisbon agenda for growth and competitiveness. The Commission's proposal for the next framework programme will now go through the co-decision procedure for approval and adoption by the European Parliament and Council. The new service brings together the official documents and background information related to FP7, along with the latest developments, announcements and events, as covered by CORDIS News, including interviews with decision makers and stakeholders. An introductory 'What is FP7?' section answers the questions of users interested in the next stage of European research and development, including newcomers to the EU's framework programmes. A timeline traces the reports, proposals and consultations that have taken place so far, as well as indicating the expected next steps, providing a roadmap towards FP7. A section on the FP7 debate assembles reports, proposals and communications from the European institutions, along with the policy positions and reactions from EU Member States, as well as European, national and regional stakeholders. The service includes an overview of the objectives and themes of the next framework programme, including links to other sections of CORDIS containing relevant information, as well as references to some of the consultations, recommendations and advisory contributions made during the run up to the publication of the proposal. CORDIS users will be able to follow the latest news, official announcements and policy positions and contributions, as the debate continues and the procedure towards the approval and launch of FP7 gets underway.